Marathon Petroleum vs SLB (MPC vs SLB)
Marathon Petroleum (MPC) vs SLB (SLB) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Marathon Petroleum (MPC) and SLB (SLB) compete in oil and gas. Here are Marathon Petroleum and SLB side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Marathon Petroleum or SLB.
Marathon Petroleum vs SLB: the figures
| Figure | Marathon Petroleum | SLB |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $392.68 (November 4, 2026) | $51.56 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $106.9 billion | $76.1 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 7.8x | 25.0x |
| Forward P/E | 6.3x | 16.8x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +62.0% | +5.8% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 8.4% | 8.4% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | N/A | 1.2x |
| Dividend yield | 1.03% | 2.26% |
| Beta | N/A | 0.79 |
Marathon Petroleum and SLB figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Marathon Petroleum or SLB figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Marathon Petroleum and SLB
- Valuation: SLB trades at 25.0x its annual earnings and Marathon Petroleum at 7.8x; the market pays more for each dollar of SLB profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Growth: Marathon Petroleum grew sales +62.0% year on year in its latest quarter, against +5.8% for SLB.
- Dividend: SLB yields 2.26% at today's price and Marathon Petroleum yields 1.03%.
Marathon Petroleum or SLB: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Marathon Petroleum is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): SLB pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If price is what matters most to you: Marathon Petroleum trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Marathon Petroleum nor SLB wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Marathon Petroleum and SLB make money
Marathon Petroleum (MPC)
Marathon Petroleum is a U.S. refiner with two segments. Refining and Marketing, the main revenue driver, turns crude into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel sold to wholesalers and Marathon-branded stations, while Midstream owns pipelines and gas processing plants through its MPLX partnership. Full Marathon Petroleum analysis.
SLB (SLB)
SLB, formerly Schlumberger, sells technology and services that help oil companies find, drill and produce from wells. Its divisions are Digital, Reservoir Performance, Well Construction and Production Systems, the last expanded by the ChampionX acquisition. Customers are national and international oil companies, with the Middle East and North America as key regions. Full SLB analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Marathon Petroleum vs SLB
Is Marathon Petroleum or SLB the better stock?
Choosing between Marathon Petroleum and SLB depends on what you are looking for. Marathon Petroleum is growing faster right now, and Marathon Petroleum trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Marathon Petroleum or SLB: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Marathon Petroleum or SLB?
As of November 4, 2026, SLB yields 2.26% and Marathon Petroleum yields 1.03%. Also check how much of their profit Marathon Petroleum and SLB pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Marathon Petroleum or SLB?
On P/E, SLB (25.0x) is more expensive than Marathon Petroleum (7.8x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Marathon Petroleum and SLB?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Marathon Petroleum and SLB, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Marathon Petroleum or SLB.
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More companies like Marathon Petroleum and SLB: oil and gas stocks. Educational content about Marathon Petroleum and SLB, not investment advice.